The Ghana Project consists of a group of diverse students
with degrees ranging from engineering to nursing to international studies. We
come from different backgrounds, and have different career paths. The most
important thing we have in common is a belief in this project. Since we leave
for Ghana in just a few days (Monday!), I thought this would be the perfect
opportunity to spotlight our team. I sent each team member the same 20 questions,
which even I answered. I'll be posting this in a series so here's the first one.
Here is a summary of their responses.
Natalie
Major: Chemistry
Class Standing: Freshman
If you could only
pack five things for this trip (in addition to bug spray, Cipro, and malaria
meds) what would they be? My Bible, soap, sandals, pants, and a shirt
Natalie is an honors student the youngest member of the team.
Her enthusiasm for the project has been readily evident during her participation
in class. “The Ghana Project is an incredible opportunity to bring a lasting
impact to a community in need…and to experience what challenges other people
face.”
Her energy and optimism will be an asset to the team. When
asked what she’ll miss most, she jokingly replied, “Cheetos” but added, “…my
family and friends that I love so dearly.” She conceded that she definitely won’t
miss yard work while in Africa.
Natalie is looking forward to possibly dancing with the
locals and seeing the waterfall.
Something Fun: Natalie’s
favorite Sesame Street character is Snuffy and her favorite color is purple.
Amber
Major: Coastal
Biology
Class Standing:
Freshman
Five Things:
Camera, journal, clothes, and a friend or two
Amber is an honors student who is excitedly studying to
become a marine mammal veterinarian. She’s looking forward to escaping the fast
paced society in the US but will miss her family and close friends.
When asked about the class we took in preparation for this
trip she replied, “Sometimes people take things way out of proportion. Perhaps
they should consider what it would be like if they had to wonder when they will
get their next meal.”
Speaking of meals, after trying Ghanaian food with the team,
Amber is fairly sure that she will be eating a lot (like holy cow a lot) of
fried plantains in Ghana.
At the prospect of having her cell phone taken from her
during the trip, she felt that it will be hard to not talk to her family, but
won’t miss it otherwise.
Something Fun: Amber
prefers books over TV, and her favorite
color is blue.
Brandy
Major: International Studies
Class Standing: Sophomore
Five Things: iPod,
shoes, clothes, toothpaste, and toothbrush
Brandy is a 1st year UNF student, with sophomore
standing. She chose international studies because she “liked the focus on other
cultures and places” and that it “encourages travel”. She’s enthusiastic about
the Ghana Project because she loves kids and has always wanted to go to Africa.
Mostly, (besides her family), Brandy feels that she’s going
to miss the ten pillows she regularly sleeps with, but she’s not going to miss
her cell phone at all. “Sometimes having a cell phone feels like you can never
have a minute of peace.”
Her biggest takeaway from the class was how hard it is to
grasp Ghanaian culture from our western perspective, and the extent of the
impact of colonialism on Ghana.
Something Fun: Brandy’s
favorite color, today, is orange and she’s partial to cookie monster.
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